Tag Archive | "Rhode Island"

Posted on 05 July 2015

NEWPORT, R.I. — The largest and most authentically built Tall Ship in 150 years, Hermione, an exact replica of General Lafayette’s Frigate of Freedom, is due to arrive at Fort Adams in Newport.

The ship, docking on July 8 for a two-day stay, is reenacting the return of 22 year-old General Lafayette to the shores of Colonial America 235 years ago, heralding France’s critical support of the Colonies’ War of Independence.

In celebration of this beautifully reconstructed Tall Ship’s arrival and the important journey it commemorates, numerous events are planned throughout Newport July 8-9, including tours of the Hermione, dedications, lectures, Colonial military drills and Colonial theme dinners, demonstrations, and even lunch with Lafayette’s friend and commander, General George Washington.

The voyage of the Hermione is in part to symbolize and rekindle through the Hermione the intimate ties between France and the United States, and the spirit of liberty that sustains them, and to demonstrate the inestimable value of history and show that it can be a living force in increasing our understanding of the world.

Able to hold a crew of 242, 72 volunteers, one-third women, are on this journey, most of whom gave up their ‘real life’ to become steeped in the history of the vessel that changed the course of America’s War of Independence.

Events begin July 8 at 9:30 a.m. with a dedication ceremony and end July 9 at 10:00 p.m. with a Farewell Ceremony as Hermione departs.

The public is welcome to join French and American dignitaries for the festivities honoring this historic occasion as Tall Ship Hermione docks at Fort Adams in full splendor

Posted on 14 September 2013

By Ann-Marie Adams, Staff Writer

NEWPORT, RI — Want to go sailing?

While navigating the Newport International Boat Show in Rhode Island, you will often hear that question as boat enthusiasts inspect new products on the market or ferry over to Goat Island to purchase yachts ranging from $644,000 to $3.5 million.

With its elegant mahogany hull and stateroom layout, a 70-ft Vicem Yacht named Truant is an exquisite eight-sleeper with separate crew quarters. For $1.9 million, you can cruise top speed at 28 knots—or 32 miles per hour. Afterward, Truant’s broker at Northrop & Johnson, Inc. will return it to a harbor somewhere in Connecticut.

This weekend, Newport Waterfront along America’s Cup Avenue to attend the 43rd annual boat show from Sept. 12-15, the largest boat show in New England and the “kick off” to the fall boat show season. The show, which features more than 600 boats in water, power and sail, is expected to draw about 40,000 people to the smallest state in the union. And it’s a 90-minute drive from any part of Connecticut, Boston and New York for a three to four-day stay in southeastern New England.

But there’s more to the boat show than checking out dinghies, kayaks and cruisers; Mantus’s boat anchors with aerodynamic technology; or serene settings close to the water.

The maritime industry is synonymous with New England’s history. Puritan settlers livelihood included. This tradition is passed down in many New England families, such as Tom Delotto, director of thee Newport Exhibition Group that owns and produces the Newport International Boat Show.

“It’s a good way to disconnect from land and enjoy the soothing effects of being on water,” Delotto says.

The Group also has educational programs for novices, including children. Scheduled program include Discover Boating’s Hands On Skills Training (HOST) series, which allow boaters to enhance existing skills or serve as an entry-level course for understanding weather forecasting.

There’s also “a big push” to penetrate the minority population. Up to 10 percent of African Americans and Hispanics are boaters.

And Rhode Island has its reason to ensuring the show expands. That economic value of boating and recreation sales impact on the local economy is notable. The total annual economic value is $121.2 billion, with direct sales at $646 billion. The industry employs 338,526 people. Like many industries during the recession, outdoor recreation decreased. Now, it’s on the rise industry experts say. And people are expanding and hiring.

Chris Perry works as a prep cook at Bello’s Cafe. On Friday, he was just sitting on the dock on Goat Island—on his day off—with his dog.

“I love it this time of year,” said Chris Perry, a Rhode Island native, stroking his cockerspanial, Pandoria. “I just like being down by the water.”

Well, the water is there all year. But, as Perry may have observed, the crisp air and mild sun caressing your skin while you’re sailing in the Bristol Harbor is enough to draw you down by the water this time of year.

Posted on 28 August 2013

NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND —  As the summer sun starts to give way to crisp, saltwater breezes and the tree tops are painted in vivid hues of crimson red, brilliant yellow and burnt orange, Newport, Rhode Island enters into what many consider its most majestic season.

The 43rd Annual International Boat Show, Sept. 12-15, 2013, is one of the largest in-water boat shows in the country. Held throughout Newports downtown waterfront locations, the impressive show is mariners paradise, showcasing domestic and foreign goods as well as a variety of sail and powerboats. Visit www.newportboatshow.com for a complete list of exhibitors and boats.

The Coggeshall Farm Museum 40th Annual Harvest Fair, Sept. 14-15, 2013, in nearby Bristol, unfolds at a living-history farm that depicts agrarian life in 1799. Activities for all ages including hay rides, face painting, craft-making, a chance to see the farms animals and hand-milk a cow, hay bale toss, sack races and other traditional games. Attend a cooking demonstration with farm-raised products, listen to traditional music and watch the Ladies of the Rolling Pin dance. See the work of Rhode Island artisans and enjoy local foods. For more information, visit www.coggeshallfarm.org

The 8th Newport Mansions Annual Wine & Food Festival will be held September 20-22, 2013 at The Elms, Rosecliff, and Marble House mansions, featuring over 100 of the finest New England restaurants and wines from around the world. One of the most anticipated food festivals in the country, guests will savor the opportunity to enjoy cooking demonstrations Food Network “Iron Chef” Alex Guarnaschelli and James Beard Award winner Michel Richardhosted by Claudine Pépin. The festival will also feature a Sunday Brunch with Guarnaschelli, various celebrity chef appearances, seminars with wine experts, a two-day Grand Tasting on the Marble House lawn, a gala at Rosecliff and much more, all in Newports most spectacular locations. Visitwww.newportmansions.org for a complete itinerary.

The Norman Bird Sanctuary Annual Harvest Fair, October 5-6, 2013, carries on tradition of family fun as it kicks off the fall with a local small-town festival. Enjoy town-fair entertainment in its freshly plowed fields, a plethora of food stations as well as jam and baked good tastings, craft stations, games, home & garden competitions, and hay rides. A staple of New England fall festivals, the two-day Harvest Fair provides family activities all weekend long, including old-time favorites like Tug-O-War and the Mud Pit. Visit www.normanbirdsanctuary.org for more information.

International Oktoberfest, Oct. 12-13, 2013, welcomes fall with the celebration of German cuisine, brews, and entertainment at the Newport Yachting Center overlooking the harbor. A celebration for all ages, this year organizers are touting Sunday as the designated family-oriented day. Visit the Biergarten to taste seasonal and international brews along with other American favorites. Also savor beloved brats, schnitzel, sauerbraten, potato pancakes more German cuisine. Listen to traditional German music all weekend long in a fall celebration and reunion of family and friends. Visit www.newportwaterfrontevents.com for a complete list of activities, vendors, and musicians throughout the weekend.

The Bowens Wharf Seafood Festival, October 19-20, 2013, celebrates autumns bounty with seafood dishes and live music celebrating Newports Harvest of the Sea. Local restaurants and fishermen prepare their best dishes under colorful tents around the wharf accompanied by live folk, Celtic, sea-shanty, and blues music all weekend long. Spirits, soft drinks, and desserts are all available, as well as seating throughout the wharf. Come and enjoy many local restaurants most prized lobster dinners, clam chowders, stuffies, clam cakes, shrimps, scallops, raw oysters, and even some landlubber-friendly dishes. Visit www.bowenswharf.com for a complete list of vendors and performers.

Theres no better time to savor New England in the fall than during Newport Restaurant Week, Nov. 1-10, 2013. Enjoy more than 50 restaurants offering 3-course $16 lunches and $30 dinners throughout the week as well as the opportunity to sample new seasonal items from Newport and Bristol Countys most talented chefs. Cooking classes, walking tours, and lodging packages will also be available in conjunction with restaurant meals. Visit www.DiscoverNewportRestaurantWeek.org for participating restaurants, events and special offers throughout the week.